Ryan Hazelwood Dies at 50 After Cancer Battle Leaving a Lasting Legacy at KOAA News5

Ryan Hazelwood, a respected television news leader remembered for his faith, compassion and commitment to journalism, has died at the age of 50 following a battle with cancer.

Hazelwood’s death was announced by KOAA News5, the Colorado Springs television station where he served as news director from 2017 to 2024. His passing on Sunday, October 18, 2026, has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the journalism community who remember him for his leadership and the personal care he showed to others.

In a tribute published by KOAA News5, colleagues described Hazelwood as a loving man whose influence reached well beyond the newsroom. He was remembered as a devoted husband and father, a man of faith, and someone who consistently looked for opportunities to help people without expecting anything in return.

Ryan Hazelwood’s Cause of Death

According to reporting by ABC 7 Amarillo, Hazelwood died after battling cancer. He was 50 years old.

The news of his death was shared publicly by colleagues at KOAA News5, who reflected on the character and generosity that shaped his personal and professional life.

While his career included newsroom management, teaching and television production, the tributes following his death placed particular emphasis on the way he treated people. Colleagues recalled his willingness to assist with everyday problems, teach others practical skills and offer support when someone needed help.

His death marks the loss of an experienced journalist whose career spanned several television markets and included work in education and documentary production.

Remembering Ryan Hazelwood’s Faith and Character

KOAA News5’s tribute described Hazelwood as a man whose faith and love for others were central to his life. The station remembered his affection for his wife, children and parents, as well as his appreciation for animals, nature and the communities he called home.

Colleagues recalled a person who would shovel a neighbor’s driveway, help someone change a flat tire or teach another person how to drive in snowy conditions without waiting to be asked.

These everyday acts of kindness formed an important part of his legacy. Rather than defining him solely through professional accomplishments, those who worked alongside him emphasized his patience, generosity and readiness to help.

He was also remembered as a leader who understood the importance of listening, teaching and holding people accountable. His colleagues said he worked to support those whose voices might otherwise go unheard, reflecting journalism’s role in serving the public.

A Career Spanning Television News and Education

Hazelwood began his television news career in 1997 as a photojournalist at KFDA in Amarillo, Texas. He joined KVII, also known as ABC 7 Amarillo, in 1998 before moving to Austin, Texas.

In 2002, he joined a national production company that produced a television program about new homes. He worked as a director of photography and later became a managing producer, helping the company expand its operations.

Hazelwood returned to West Texas A&M University in 2008, where he worked as a broadcast engineer and instructor through 2013. His responsibilities included maintaining broadcast facilities and teaching students audio and video production.

He later returned to KVII as news director in 2012 and remained in that role until 2016. During his tenure, he earned a Lone Star Emmy Award for the documentary Blood and Steel, which examined what American troops experience before deployment.

In 2017, Hazelwood moved to Colorado Springs to become news director at KOAA News5. He spent seven years leading the station’s newsroom, helping guide its coverage and support the journalists responsible for reporting on issues affecting southern Colorado.

During his time at KOAA, the newsroom was named Station of the Year by the Colorado Broadcasters Association five times, according to ABC 7 Amarillo’s report.

West Texas A&M University Honors His Contributions

Hazelwood’s connection to West Texas A&M University remained an important part of his professional story. He graduated from Caprock High School in Amarillo before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the university’s Department of Communication.

In 2025, West Texas A&M inducted him into its Communication Hall of Fame in recognition of his work and contributions to the field.

At the time, Randy Ray, a senior lecturer in media communication and director of broadcast engineering, praised Hazelwood’s career and leadership, noting the quality of his work and the respect he had earned within the industry.

The honor reflected a career that combined technical expertise, storytelling, education and newsroom leadership. Hazelwood worked in several roles throughout his professional life, but colleagues consistently highlighted his ability to help others learn and grow.

Family Survives Ryan Hazelwood

Ryan Hazelwood is survived by his wife, Larissa; his daughter, Alexis; his son, Gannon; his mother, Kathy; and his brother, Caleb. KOAA News5 also identified his son-in-law, Dylan, among his surviving family members.

The station’s tribute made clear that family occupied a central place in Hazelwood’s life. Colleagues recalled how much he loved his wife and children, alongside his parents and other relatives.

Further personal details should be confirmed through family announcements or an official obituary as they become available.

Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Details

Funeral arrangements were reported as pending in ABC 7 Amarillo’s coverage published on October 18 and updated October 19, 2026.

Additional information about a memorial service, visitation or other arrangements should be confirmed through the family or an authorized funeral home announcement.

As colleagues and friends remember Hazelwood, the tributes to his life reflect both his professional achievements and the everyday kindness that left a lasting impression on people around him.

Key Facts About Ryan Hazelwood

Disclaimer: This article is based on published reports from KOAA News5 and ABC 7 Amarillo available as of October 20, 2026. Details about his death and career are attributed to those reports. Funeral arrangements may be updated when confirmed information is released by his family or an authorized source.